New Paulstretch OS X build

As software projects go, PaulStretch is rather a shadowy enigma. Since I did the initial Mac OS X port, I’ve had very, very sporadic communications with the author Nasca Octavian Paul about it.

Then there’s the issue of versioning. Paul started a github repository, but it hasn’t been updated since March. It’s currently at version 2.2.2, but the only difference between 2.2-2 and 2.2-1 is that the version number it reports has changed.

At any rate, today I did a new build which is 1) OS X 10.6 (forward compatible with Lion, but perhaps not backwards compatible to Leopard or Tiger) 2) Up to date build, incorporating all of Paul’s changes. I also spent some time playing with it to make sure it works properly.

It also has the latest refinements of the build scripts used to build PaulStretch from source. I use CMake, which is Kitware’s cross-platform build tool. CMake keeps getting smarter, and my CMake recipe for PaulStretch will download all the prerequisite libraries, build them, and then download the PaulStretch source, build it, and generate an Apple App Bundle.

And CMake really is cross-platform — the same build recipe will work unmodified on Linux (which I have tested) and possibly on Windows (which I haven’t tried).

88 Responses to New Paulstretch OS X build

Paulstretch is cool, but honestly, it kinda makes everything sound the same. I can tell when people use it in tracks after 5 seconds. So Get Lucky probably sounded like Justin Bieber sounded like Bjork after being stretched.

Very good true observation, Tony Zilincik. I’ve gotten really interesting results using all kinds of stuff, and feel that the least satisfying results (when trying to create sounds for my own use) come from stuff that is beat-heavy &/or heavily compressed. The (generally) more sparse, dynamic source files seem to result in stretched output files with loads more timbral contours & magical tones. A lot of those random, miraculous little tones that might pop up for a second can so often inspire a whole piece or song.

Thanks for this! Was bugging me that it didn’t have an icon so i made one quickly, if anyone else wants it you can grab it here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/cmdalfdubx7udqq/paulstretch.icns to change the icon just right click on paulstretch.app > get info, then drag the paulstretch.icns file on top of the little missing icon symbol next to where it says paulstretch.app

Hi guys. Has anyone encountered problems getting this version of Paulstretch to work with different audio devices. It for some reason will not pick up my Presonus audio interface, and will only play through the mac speakers. I’m using 10.6. Is there a hidden preference option somewhere where one can select the audio output for PaulStretch?

I’m getting the static (stuttering popping sound) when I preview, but it doesn’t end up in my final tracks. It’s happening with all my output devices. I’d seriously pay money to help this issue go away. Any plans to tackle this?